Welcome to ARCHcareers, a blog that discusses the process of becoming an architect.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Work Abroad

I am a U.S. B.Arch student who is interested in working internationally. I want to work in a variety of locations, probably at one firm with offices in many places throughout the world, or that just does jobs in many locations. What sort of licensing, certificate or accreditation might I look at to help me meet this goal? Do you have any recommendations about types of Architecture course work to pursue? I saw a reference to a "broadly experienced foreign architect" but it was fleeting.

Thanks for any information you can give.

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Congrats on your interest in working abroad.

Your best bet will be to secure employment in a U.S. based firm that has offices throughout the world or other locations. Whether or not you can get transferred to the international office is dependent on the firm. In those instances, the firm will do the paperwork to allow you to work abroad.

If you simply wanted to work in an overseas, I would think you would need a work visa from the country. To determine that process, you would need to contact the country directly. It is a difficult process just as it is difficult for a foreigner to work in the U.S.

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About Me

With over twenty years of experience in the fields of architecture and career development, LEE W. WALDREP, Ph.D., has served in positions in three accredited programs -- the Illinois School of Architecture, the University of Maryland and Illinois Institute of Technology. Previously, he served as Associate Executive Director of the National Archi¬tectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and National Vice-President of the American Institute of Architecture Students. Waldrep has written and presented on the topics of careers and architecture extensively around the country. In addition to his own books, he is a contributor to AIA’s Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition.